Dec 3 2025 Review of Chapter 2 & 3 Into the Wild - Themes Review/Relationships/Ideals vs. Reality & Nature's Role - Pair Work & Ch 2 & 3 Vocab

Silent Read 20 min - in class.

1stnd Half - Class Work: Review of Ch 2&3 - Alex's view of his parents? sister? society? materialism?

Small Group/Pair Work: 

Themes of Freedom vs. Conformity

1. How do Chris McCandless's views on freedom in Chapter 2 contrast with the societal expectations he encounters?

2. In what ways do the characters Chris meets in Chapter 3 represent different responses to societal norms?

   • Consider the perspectives of people like Wayne Westerberg.

Relationships and Influence

3. What role do the individuals Chris meets play in shaping his understanding of himself and his quest for adventure?

Ideals vs. Reality

4. How do the experiences of other characters in these chapters reflect or contrast with Chris's idealism?

I.e. Look at how others perceive the wilderness and adventure.

Personal Growth and Identity

5. In what ways does Chris's journey serve as a means of self-discovery? I.e. Discuss how his motivations evolve from Chapter 2 to Chapter 3.

Nature's Role

6. In what ways does the wilderness challenge or support Chris's ideals about life and freedom?

Answer Key

Theme: Freedom vs. Conformity

1. How do Chris McCandless’s views on freedom in Chapter 2 contrast with the societal expectations he encounters?
   Think about:

   • His rejection of materialism

   • His desire to escape structured, predictable life

   • The expectations placed on him by family, school, and society

2. In Chapter 3, how do the people Chris meets represent different responses to society’s norms?
   Consider:

   • Who accepts the rules

   • Who bends them

   • Who rejects them (like Chris)

   For example: What do Wayne Westerberg’s choices show about living within vs. outside societal expectations?

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Relationships and Influence

3. What role do the individuals Chris meets play in shaping his understanding of himself and his quest for adventure?
   You may include:

   • Wayne Westerberg

   • The people in Carthage

   • Anyone who impacts his thinking or reinforces his beliefs

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Ideals vs. Reality

4. How do the experiences of other characters in Chapters 1–3 reflect or challenge Chris’s idealism?
   For example:

   • How do others view the wilderness compared to how Chris sees it?

   • Do any characters warn him about danger or reality?

   • How does Chris respond?

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Personal Growth and Identity

5. How does Chris’s journey become a process of self-discovery?
   Consider how his motivations or beliefs shift between:

   • Chapter 2 (his early travels and philosophy)

   • Chapter 3 (his work, relationships, and growing sense of purpose)

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Nature’s Role

6. In what ways does the wilderness challenge or support Chris’s ideas about life and freedom?
   Think about:

   • Whether nature reinforces his belief in independence

   • Whether it creates obstacles or consequences

   • How he interprets the risks and rewards

2nd Half- 

Ensure you have read Ch 1-3 Into the Wild.

Vocab Ch 2-3

Chapter 2:

1. Meander
2. Conundrum
3. Ambivalence
4. Lethargy
5. Ascetic
6. Derelict
7. Ineffable
8. Vagrant
9. Enigmatic
10. Altruism

Chapter 3:

1. Epiphany
2. Burgeoning
3. Contradiction
4. Disenchantment
5. Nomadic
6. Obscured
7. Precarious
8. Self-reliance
9. Reclusive
10. Introspection

Note - Authors Note & Chapter 1 Vocab is on Nov 26 and Nov 28 Blog Posts.

Kahoot Practice! Chapter 1-3 Quiz/Test Vocab and Theme Info